Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-Su are two polar opposites. Ung is a socially awkward, laid-back boy who makes it very clear that a stressful life isn’t for him, while Yeon-Su is presented as an aloof girl leading a very different life. Played by Choi Woo-Shik and Kim Da-mi respectively, they star in a documentary showing their school life which goes viral. During these school scenes, Yeon-Su’s shock from Choi-Ung being ranked last slowly converts into interest for the two. They are initially repelled by how different they are but that is also what brings them together. Years later, Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-Su are forced to confront each other and their history in front of the camera once again. This time, their childhood friend, Ji-Ung, is the one to document the two. He also brings unresolved feelings for Yeon-Su. 

This show is filled with typical romance tropes, including the right person at the wrong time, star-crossed lovers, and high school sweethearts. With these common clichés being replicated countless times in the current K-Drama scene, it’s easy for a new drama to fall into the trap of uninspired writing. However, ‘Our Beloved Summer’ successfully circumvents this issue and upholds its vibrance, and you can’t help but root for Ung and Yeon-su. 

Certainly a reason why many of its viewers are so fond of the show might be the fact that it keeps it honest. In the past, while both (mainly Yeon-su) had their own dreams, reality prevented them from dreaming. However, in the present, both have grown up: Yeon-Su is financially stable, and is finally able to control her future and chase her dreams, and Ung matures and finds his own ambitions. The two also never delve into cringe-worthy territories with absurd romance tropes, and are able to show the gap between their worlds. They are able to maintain a connection while still maturing on their own terms. 

The acting is not to be overlooked. Choi Woo-Shik is able to completely encapsulate the characteristics of Choi Ung’s character, radiating warmth in the awkward smiles he exchanges with Yeon-Su. Kim Da-mi also convincingly portrays Yeon-Su, and her inferiority complex and desire to dream. However, this is in no small part due to the writing: both characters are extremely well written to begin with. Ung’s shy and introverted personality shines through in his dialogue and Yeon-su is a dynamic character who is both a capable and professional PR manager, and a supportive, loving girlfriend who is able to find her escape from reality in Ung. 

In the scenes flashing between their past and present, we truly see how their histories shape the precarious yet unyielding relationship that they have. The heart wrenching parallels that mark their story show that in actuality, nothing about their feelings towards each other changed throughout the years. Whether it’s about them kissing in the rain, or messing around in a library, these parallels tell the tale of two innocent teenagers who fall in love in a way they do not have the capacity or ability to, and sees them evolve into adults who learn to love the other in a way that they deserve. 

This is why Yeon-Su and Ung’s relationship is so lovable: they never become toxic, and the only things that stopped them were the obstacles that reality had to offer. Both are also surrounded with a wholesome group of friends and family that are there for them whether they realise it or not. 

Another part of this show that was undoubtedly impressive was the OST (Original Soundtrack). The Our Beloved Summer OST perfectly complements the aesthetic of the show, and each song that is featured, such as V of BTS’ ‘Christmas Tree’, seems to play at the perfect time to complete the scene.

Every episode ends with a slight tease to the next episode in the form of their epilogue (Don’t miss these!), and one episode is really just enough to get you hooked onto it until the end. This show has blown up everywhere around the world, and it has landed in Netflix’s top 10 shows, and it peaked at No.2 in Hong Kong. With its excellent writing, character development, and musical score, this is absolutely not a surprise, and is well deserved. 

Our Beloved Summer now streaming on Netflix in Hong Kong.

Kelly Mak

Hi, I’m Kelly and I do graphic design for Island Currents. My favourite subjects are art and psychology and my interests include baking, drawing and binge watching TV shows.

More posts from Kelly Mak

Lawrence Chung

Lawrence is a writer for Island Currents in the Arts and Culture department, writing monthly manga reviews for other fans like him. He is also interested in sports – basketball in particular. His favourite team is the Nuggets but he is currently interested in the Bulls. He also does not enjoy writing in third person.

More posts from Lawrence Chung

This month’s recommendations are:

Eleceed

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural, Comedy, Adventure

“Jiwoo is a good-hearted young guy who uses a cat’s lightning-quick reflexes to discreetly improve the world, saving one tiny child or foster pet at a time. Kayden is a fugitive secret agent who finds himself trapped inside the body of a…decidedly obese old fluffy cat. With Jiwoo’s superpowers and Kayden’s uber intelligence, these unlikely allies confront the forces that want to let evil rule the world. That is, if they can put up with each other long enough to get the job done.”

This manhwa is written by Son Je Ho and drawn by ZHENA, who is known for creating the manhwa ‘noblesse’, which I will be covering in a later issue. This manhwa is a perfect example of how extravagantly and almost outrageously action scenes can be drawn. It also incorporates various ‘slice of life’ moments with the main protagonist, Jiwoo, and his friends, that will melt your heart.

You can read it online for free here.

Horimiya

Genres: Romance, Shounen, Comedy

“Hori is an average teenage girl who has a bright personality and is popular at school; however, she has a side that she doesn’t want anyone to find out about. Then there is Miyamura, Hori’s classmate, who looks like your generic teenaged boy at school, but has his own secrets outside of it. During one fateful encounter, they discover each other’s secrets and develop an unexpected friendship.”

Any avid anime or manga fan will know that the romance genre has two extremes, either full, over-the-top drama, or the rare occurrence of sweet and light-hearted romance with a satisfying happy ending. Personally, I prefer the latter so this manga truly captures my heart. At times, ‘Horimiya’ feels as though it’s about to cross that line between lightheartedness to dramatic but never actually does, and again it’s a good thing! Its simplicity and balance between the two sides is what makes Horimiya stand out compared to other rom-coms, and was definitely a part of why it was so popular. The authenticity of the characters, both the main and the side characters, gives you a warm feeling throughout the manga. This manga also has an anime adaption and is definitely a must watch alongside reading the manga. 

You can buy the first volume on Amazon here.